Probably the most anticipated movie of the year, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” (opened November 20 throughout San Diego), has arrived. With fans waiting hours on end or even overnight, is the second movie really worth the wait?
When we last saw Edward Cullen (Rob Pattinson) and Bella (Kristin Stewart) in the first film “Twilight,” we left them at prom with him kissing her neck instead of biting her neck and turning her into a vampire. “New Moon” kicks off with Bella having a bad dream. Her relationship with Edward had finally become “normal” (in a high school romance sort of way) but then he leaves her in order to supposedly “protect” her.
Edward’s departure leads to a message from another vampire, Laurent, who informs Bella that the bloodsucking Victoria is out for revenge on the Cullens. Bella’s only way out comes from the Wolf Pack (a shape-shifting gang of hot local guys). The film then shows how Bella becomes an adrenaline junkie (because each time she gets close to death she sees Edward); re-introduces Jacob (Taylor Lautner), one of the Wolf Pack, who comforts Bella; and shows us the Volturi, the “royalty” of the vampire world. Towards the end of the film, the rivalry between the vampires and werewolves heats up as Edward returns. The final scene reveals Edward, Bella, and Jacob in the forest, where Bella is forced to choose between fangs or fur.
Overall, the film follows through on what fans have been reading in the “Twilight” book series by Stephenie Meyer. But without the books to guide you, the movie seems dull and stretched out in length. The film had more humor to entertain audiences, making it different from the more serious first movie. Not only was the movie dull but also the performance by Kristin Stewart was nothing special. She not only overacts, but also under acts as well – and not delivering at either extreme. She is meant to be having bad dreams at one point but acts more like she’s dying of a flesh eating disorder. She is also supposedly passionately in love with Edward. So why then when he leaves her, does she seem almost untouched by it?
“New Moon” seems better than the original film, keeping fans interested in the action sequences and love triangle. But does everyone fail to see the promotion of negligent behavior in the film as well as the messages it’s sending to its young audiences? While “The Twilight Saga” may seem like a romantic story about two teenagers falling head over heels for each other, its promotion of reckless behavior should be a concern to parents everywhere. Bella becomes an adrenaline junkie, nearly killing herself to catch a glimpse of Edward. She jumps off a cliff and nearly knocks herself unconscious by hitting her head on a boulder while riding a motorbike. Is that what parents want for their children to watch and feel like they could do as well? Not only is she rash but she also doesn’t seem to have parents. Her father is included in the film for a total of two minutes at the most and never seems to notice her behavior, which includes jet setting off across the globe. She doesn’t even get in trouble either -- whether she’s out late, getting injured, or just not coming home at all. Real, concerned parents would never allow such things to happen.
All in all, “New Moon” (rated PG-13 for some violence and action) is less serious but sexier than “Twilight.” It’s also altogether duller. Fans will enjoy that the motion picture is a direct reflection of the book, and non-“Twilight” fans might enjoy the humor, interesting action sequences, and the fact that Taylor Lautner’s buff Jacob is shirtless the entire film.
--Sierra Haley is a senior at Mount Miguel High School.
